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    Science FridayCan the shingles vaccine stave off dementia?
    17 minEpisode 1312

    Can the shingles vaccine stave off dementia?

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    The benefits of getting a shingles vaccine seem relatively straightforward: It will prevent you from getting shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. But researchers have found a surprising link between getting the shingles vaccine and a lower risk of developing dementia. And that’s not the only vaccine that seems to have additional benefits. So what’s going on here?

    To help explain this research are epidemiologist Pascal Geldsetzer, who studies the association between the shingles vaccine and lower rates of dementia; and physician and epidemiologist Helen Chu, who studies the Flu, RSV and COVID-19 viruses.

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    © Science Friday and WNYC StudiosLength 17 min1 June 2026Episode 1312ScienceFactsEducationalUSAEpisodic

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    This is an episodic podcast, so you can listen to it in any order, but episode one is a great place to start.

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    The benefits of getting a shingles vaccine seem relatively straightforward: It will prevent you from getting shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. But researchers have found a surprising link between getting the shingles vaccine and a lower risk of developing dementia. And that’s not the only vaccine that seems to have additional benefits. So what’s going on here?

    To help explain this research are epidemiologist Pascal Geldsetzer, who studies the association between the shingles vaccine and lower rates of dementia; and physician and epidemiologist Helen Chu, who studies the Flu, RSV and COVID-19 viruses.

    Guests:

    Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer is an assistant professor of medicine, epidemiology and population health at Stanford University.

    Dr. Helen Chu is a professor of epidemiology, allergy and infectious diseases at the University of Washington.

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    Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.

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    © Science Friday and WNYC Studios |Original Episode URL. The content, artwork and advertising within this podcast is not owned or affiliated with Sound Carrot and remain the property of their respective owners.


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